Testing is over. Rubber will meet tarmac with purposeful fury. Rally Monte Carlo, when you read this, will be thoroughly engaged in playing adrenaline’s soulful notes, waging a thrilling combustion-war, as the machines shred the jam-packed Stages. The WRC never ceases to manufacture sustained delight and the 2020 season will open with a jewel – Rally Monte Carlo.
Ian Fleming could not have provided more intrigue. The defending champion – Ott Tanak abandoned Toyota Gazoo Racing and snatched a seat aboard the superior machine. But, he will be given no slack by his team-mate – Neuville – who has seat-time in his bag of tricks and he has shown, repeatedly, that he is C4 – an explosive force – in the Hyundai. Tanak will also be forced to subdue multiple champion – Loeb – who would relish the opportunity to kick the youngster silly!
What Tanak abandoned, another world champion grabbed. Ogier, who operates at the same dominant level as Loeb, is almost invincible at Rally Monte Carlo. Toyota Gazoo Racing would love to start the 2020 season on a winning note. I am certain they would enjoy sending Tanak hefty portions of humble pie.
There is zero room for verbal jousts. Action roars to the fore. The world’s best drivers will be hitting the Stages for the first time inĀ competitive garb in 2020. How will Tank perform? Will he be upstaged by his team-mates? What about Ogier in the Toyota? Will Ogier win? Will a dark horse emerge? An outsider will stun the paddock?
Who will win Rally Monte Carlo?
Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer